Tuesday, September 13, 2016

End of summer pesto

The cricket's chirps become more numerous and louder in late August, the days are less humid and the sun sets a little earlier everyday. It's a sure sign of the end of summer and the end of the basil growing in pots on my front steps.
But then again, it means I need to get busy and make pesto. If you are like me, you've been reading a lot about of “Pesto Mouth”. This happens when you eat Pesto with pine nuts (mainly from China) and end up with a bitter mouth for days and possibly weeks.
I didn’t want to take a chance with my basil crop so I opted to make the substitution with toasted walnuts. I was lucky to come into some sample bags of California Walnuts while attending IFBC in Sacramento this year. Thanks California walnuts!
It is a very easy recipe to make, 5 minutes tops. And what an easy way to prepare a Sunday night supper. Pesto on noodles, pesto on a poached chicken breast, pesto in the refrigerator, and pesto for days!

The recipe is so simple and quick, maybe 5 minutes and you let the food processor do all the work. Pesto freezes well. If you use ice cube trays they can be divided into single serving sizes just perfect for a quick and easy pasta lunch or dinner. If you plan on freezing it omit the cheese until you make it.